Fagus sylvatica Golden Edge

Fagus sylvatica 'Golden Edge' is a recent variety of the common beech appreciated for its green leaves edged with golden yellow. It forms an upright tree with a conical crown that can reach 5 to 8 m in height. It thrives in temperate and humid climates, fertile, moist, well-drained soils, and full sun or partial shade. This is a hardy and easy-going tree that will find its place as a specimen in a small garden or as a background plant, to bring height and light.

Fagus sylvatica, also known as the beech tree, is an imposing tree with a spreading habit. It belongs to the fagaceae family and the genus Fagus, which includes ten deciduous tree species that grow in temperate regions of the northern hemisphere. Native to central Europe to the Caucasus, the common beech is one of the most common species in European forests. Today, there are numerous varieties of beech, grown for their habit, their decorative foliage, or both.

The 'Golden Edge' cultivar forms a small tree with a straight trunk supporting a beautiful conical crown that becomes slightly spreading over time. It will reach 5 to 8 m in height and 2 to 4 m in width. Its bark is smooth and grey. In spring, its leaves are alternate with toothed and wavy margins. They are green with golden-yellow edges. In autumn, they turn yellow-brown and are slightly marcescent, meaning they dry out while remaining on the tree late in the season. Insignificant, greenish flowers appear in April-May, almost at the same time as the leaves. They are followed, on mature specimens, by brown fruits called beech nuts, which measure between 12 and 18 mm long.

The 'Golden Edge' beech is a very hardy tree that needs little maintenance if it is happy. You can plant it as a specimen. With its luminous foliage, it will attract all eyes. In the background of a border, pair it with low-flowering shrubs like a 'Pink Lady' Japanese quince or blue-foliaged rockery conifers like 'Blue Chip' horizontal juniper.